Woman had been living in Northern Ireland illegally for eight years

Ying Yu (52), of Howard Place, Lisburn was jailed for illegally working in the United Kingdom and overstaying leave to remain in the UK.

The offences occurred between January 1, 2009 and January 21, 2017.

The court heard that following a search at a local Chinese take-away, a follow up search took place at a residential property in Howard Street where the defendant was found.

Checks revealed that Yu was “overstaying” in the UK, having had a six-month family visa, which expired back in 2009.

She was arrested and taken to Musgrave Police Station where she admitted having no right to be in the United Kingdom and that she had carried out work whilst in the UK but was unable to give details.

A defending solicitor told Lisburn Magistrates’ Court that the defendant had admitted her guilt at the earliest opportunity.

Defence said: “She has no criminal record and has been living here for nine years.

“She was not connected to the Chinese restaurant at the centre of the original search.

“She has no savings or money, no income as she is not allowed to work in the UK. She accepts that she is set for deportation.”

District Judge Brady imposed 14 days custody on each offence. She said: “It is up to immigration to deal with her situation.”